Households can claim up to 90% discount on water bills - check if you're eligible

Households in the UK have been urged to check if they qualify for a discount on their water bills as millions of pounds worth of support goes unclaimed.

Water bills increased across the country by an average of £123 in April, bringing the average annual bill up to £603, or an increase of around £10 per month compared to last year. The impact varies across regions, with some households facing steeper increases. Southern Water customers, for example, experienced the highest hike at 47%, pushing their average annual bill to £703. These figures are expected to rise by an average of £31 per year for the next five years to fund upgrades in the sector. However, a new review into England and Wales' water industry has outlined as many as 88 recommendations for the Governments to turn practice around, improve conditions, and help households with soaring bills.

Mike Keil, chief executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said public trust in water companies had been "drained" by poor environmental performance and wider service failures. He said: "The commission has set out significant changes to the regulatory system. But water companies have always had the freedom to do what's right by their customers - and many have made bad choices."

Mr Keil said affordability must be a key focus of reform, with households already struggling following this year's sharp rise in water bills. He said: "More people are turning to CCW to complain about not being able to afford their bill. Over two in five households have told us they've cut spending on essentials like food to make ends meet."

While parliament debates reforms, it's important that people are aware that support is available now, such as discounted tariffs. However, many eligible people are not claiming. According to Policy in Practice's research, £974million worth of water bill social tariffs went untapped in 2024.

Sebrina McCullough, director of external relations at Money Wellness, said: "Many water companies offer discounts if you're on a low income or receiving certain benefits. Speak to your provider to see if you qualify for support."

Here is a breakdown of what's available from each provider.

Affinity Water - Lift

Customers with a household income below £19,995 (excluding benefits) or those receiving income-related benefits such as Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit may qualify. The scheme caps annual clean water bills at £143.80, with a lower fixed rate of £95.80 for those receiving council tax reduction/support.

Anglian Water - Lite

Eligibility is based on an individual financial assessment. Customers who qualify can receive up to 50% off their annual bill through a reduced metered tariff.

Bournemouth Water - WaterCare

This scheme is for customers who spend 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills. Applicants must have a water meter or be on assessed charges. Discounts are applied in bands ranging from 15% to 85%.

Bristol Water - Assist

Low-income households facing financial difficulty can access a low-rate tariff based on their ability to pay, with discounts applied to the average annual bill. If the bill payer and all the adults in the household receive Pension credit, they may qualify for a discount of around 20%.

Cambridge Water - Assure

Customers receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) or with a household income below £21,011 (plus £1,500 per child) may qualify. Eligible households receive a 60% bill reduction in the first year and 40% in the second year. If claimants have no income while waiting for a Universal Credit application, charges are fully waived for eight weeks.

Dr Cymru Welsh Water - HelpU

Customers receiving income-related benefits with household incomes below £12,000 (one person), £18,100 (two people), or £19,100 (three or more people) can qualify. Bills are capped at £319.03 per year (£128.17 for water, £190.86 for sewerage).

Essex and Suffolk Water - SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £26,000 or those where a member receives Pension Credit (and whose water bill is 3% or more of net income) can receive up to a 40% discount on their annual bill.

Hafren Dyfrdwy - Here2Help

This scheme reduces annual water charges depending on household size and income, and the bill will be reduced according to a customer's circumstances (lowest combined bill £59).

Hartlepool Water - Lite

Customers with a water meter can access various discount schemes. Eligible households can receive up to 50% off water and sewerage charges.

Northumbrian Water - SupportPLUS

Households earning less than £26,000 or with a member receiving Pension Credit, whose water bill is 3% or more of net income, may qualify. Discounts of up to 40% are available.

Portsmouth Water - Helping Hand Tariff

Households earning less than £21,000 (excluding benefits like Child Tax Credit, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit) can have their water bill capped at £91.12 per year.

Severn Trent Water - Big Difference

This scheme supports low-income households struggling to pay their bills. Discounts vary based on financial assessment, with several tariff bands available.

South East Water

Customers with a household income below £17,000 (excluding disability benefits) will receive a 50% reduction on their bill. Those with an annual household income between £17,000 and £21,000 will receive a 30% reduction on their bill.

Southern Water - Essentials Tariff

Households earning less than £22,020 (excluding certain benefits) and with savings below £16,000 may receive a discount of between 45% and 90%. Households qualifying only through Pension Credit receive a 45% discount.

South Staffordshire Water - Assure

Households earning less than £22,011 (plus £1,500 per child) or those receiving Pension Credit (guarantee element) may qualify. Bills are reduced by 60% in the first year and 40% in the second. A 20% reduction will be applied in year three. If a claimant has no income while waiting for Universal Credit, bills are waived for eight weeks.

South West Water - WaterCare

Customers spending 5% or more of their income (after housing costs) on water bills may qualify. Discounts range from 15% to 85%.

SES Water - Water Support

Eligibility is based on income: households earning below £19,995 outside London or £25,207 in London (excluding disability benefits). Those who qualify receive a 50% discount on their annual bill.

Thames Water - WaterHelp

Households spending more than 5% of their net income on water bills may receive a 50% discount.

United Utilities - Back on Track

Customers receiving income-related benefits or earning less than £21,000 a year due to a recent life event may qualify. Depending on individual circumstances, water bills are capped at a lower amount for the year.

Wessex Water - Assist

This scheme offers discounts of up to 90% for those struggling to pay. Pensioners receiving Pension Credit or relying solely on the state pension get a 20% annual reduction.

Yorkshire Water - WaterSupport

Depending on individual circumstances, customers on low incomes can have their annual bill capped at either £270, £354, or £409.